L.A. parks seek water rules exemption

July 22, 2009 8:21:22 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES --

Los Angeles city parks are seeking an exemption to tight water conservation rules now in effect in the city.Officials say parks that are normally oasis of green are turning brown, and they need more water.

The L.A. Times reports the Parks Department has already received an emergency exemption from the rules that restrict watering to Mondays and Thursdays. The parks will be allowed to water any day of the week until the law is rewritten, according to Jon Kirk Mukri, general manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks.

The Department of Water and Power is recommending a change in the watering law to allow cemeteries, colleges and school districts to water more frequently if they have reduced their water use by 20 percent.